The (potential) hits keep coming with TDmonthly Magazine's Toy Fair Preview. Below, see which products manufacturers told us will be their most-talked about toys for Toy Fair 2012. And don't forget to check out part 1: Toys and More.
Ghost Blitz by LION RAMPANT IMPORTS
A lightning fast shape and color recognition game for kids, families and gamers alike. In Ghost Blitz, five wooden items sit on the table waiting to be caught: a white ghost, a green bottle, a cute grey mouse, a blue book, and a comfortable red chair. Each card in the deck shows pictures of two objects, with one or both objects colored the wrong way. With all players playing at the same time, someone reveals a card, then players grab for the "right" object - but which object is right? The first player to grab the correct object keeps the card, then reveals the next card from the deck. If a player grabs the wrong object, she must discard one card previously collected. Once the card deck runs out, the game ends and whoever has collected the most cards wins. Launch date: 2011. Awards: 2011 Deutscher Lernspielpreis "6 years and up" Nominee; 2011 Golden Geek Best Children's Board Game Nominee; 2011 Spiel des Jahres Recommended.
Ms. Frizzle and her students take Young Scientists on a wild ride with The Magic School Bus as they explore slime and polymers. Young Scientists take polymers out of milk, make slime, create goop, produce a snow eruption, melt snow, grow super-absorbent flowers, germinate seeds in polymers, perform a polymer trick, dehydrate polymers, and more. This gooey bus-shaped kit comes packed with science components, 20 colorful experiment cards, a data notebook to record observations, and 10 containers of polymers including super balls, rainbow beads, snow, and gel crystals. "The bus-shaped packaging is unique and comes packed with lots of polymers and activity cards," Esther Novis, president of The Young Scientists Club, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.
Underwater Rainbow Adventure - Activity Kit by ARTS EDUCATION IDEAS
This Enchanting Activity Kit Includes: The Multi-Award Winning Hardcover book The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. IDEAS Music CD. Eight - 27" square 100% nylon scarves, two of each of the following colors: ocean bottom blue, purple anemone, wave break blue and deep sea swirl. Recommended for children ages 4-8. All products made and constructed in the USA. Launch date: October 2011.
A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) by FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES
In the second edition of A Game of Thrones: The Board Game, three to six players take on the roles of the great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, as they vie for control of the Iron Throne through the use of diplomacy and warfare. Based on the best-selling A Song of Ice and Fire series of fantasy novels by George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones is an epic board game in which it will take more than military might to win. Through strategic planning, masterful diplomacy, and clever card play, players spread their influence over Westeros. "Devotees of A Song of Ice and Fire need look no further to get their Westeros fix. This updated edition of the beloved Game of Thrones board game deepens the experience, bringing the intrigue, military might, and cunning of the fight for control of the Iron Throne to players' tables," Molly Glover, sales associate at Fantasy Flight Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2011.
Feed the Woozle Cooperative Preschool Skills-Builder Game by PEACEABLE KINGDOM
Feed the Woozle is a cooperative game that focuses on developmental skills of children ages 3-6 in an active, fun game. The object of the game is for all players together to "feed" the Woozle 12 silly snacks. Players roll a die and then place the indicated number of snacks on a spoon. Then they spin a spinner that directs them to walk to the Woozle performing a gross motor movement like Bunny Hop or Walk Backwards. It's not so easy to keep those snacks from sliding off the spoon while hopping across the room. If everyone together can feed the Woozle 12 snacks, then everyone wins. "This game is cooperative - either the game wins or the players win. It encourages group participation and habits of cooperation. The game is leveled - meaning it focuses on specific preschool developmental skills in a fun way that is age-appropriate and grows with the child," Donna Jaffe, president of Peaceable Kingdom Press, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.
The Fold n’ GoNanas has a simple 3 Bolt Assembly, with a patented foldable Click&Go frame button for instant riding enjoyment or storage. The removable rear bucket dumps easily for added play. Durable, semi high back seat offers added back support and a built in carry handle. Integrated and patented limited turn radius steering. Launch date: March 2012.
The Weplay Rocking Bowl is a new addition to the Weplay family. This item allows kids to climb, hide, rock, and balance in a safe and inviting way. The wave designed edge provides children with areas to grab without the threat of being pinched. The patterned inside gives the product an anti-slip area and a visual focus. The bottom is designed with a smooth curve to allow the bowl to rock in all directions. The bowl is large enough for one to two children to play with it together. Maximum Weight: 88 lbs. "This bowl is large enough for two kids, and the scalloped edges and textured bottom make it safe!" Lynn Toves, marketing & sales rep for Wee Blossom, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.
Old-school and new-school technology collide in this plug n' play portable speaker dock kids build themselves. Rock the house or take the show on the road. Kids learn basic electronics by investigating how speakers and amplification work. Docking station works with iPod, iTouch, and other audio devices. Launch date: September 2012.
Great Pretenders - Baby Bat Cape by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA
Great Pretenders - Baby Bat Cape is a NEW fan favorite. This bat cape has been redesigned to fit Toddlers 18 Months to 3 Years. Our unique Soft velour is washable and a great addition to any wardrobe. Launch date: January 2012. — Lisa Dallegos, manager of Out of the Blue, Ltd. in Albuquerque, N.M., told TDmonthly in a December 2014 interview that the Bat Cape costume from Great Pretenders/Creative Education of Canada is one of their best-selling Halloween toys
The Solar System by Teach My by TEACH MY TODDLER INC.
The Solar System by Teach My introduces children to the basics of The Solar System. Using a coordinated book, puzzle, poster and flashcards, Teach My showcases the sun and nine planets that rotate around the sun (incl. Pluto, The Dwarf Planet). In order to simplify The Solar System for little ones, we have highlighted one characteristic for each planet and each planet's place within the solar system. The Solar System is an Add-On by Teach My, an additional section for the award winning, all-in-one learning kits, Teach My Toddler & Teach My Preschooler. Conveniently packed in a re-sealable bag, The Solar System by Teach My can be used on its own or with Teach My Toddler & Teach My Preschooler. "The Solar System by Teach My includes coordinated learning tools such as a matching poster, flashcards, book and puzzle. The tools promote natural interaction and repetition, making learning quick, easy and fun," Christy Cook, founder of Teach My, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2011.
Prince Lionheart Play Mat by PRINCE LIONHEART INC.
Finally, a well-designed play mat that lasts through the developmental stages of your child! Our play mats have been designed to cushion and delight babies during tummy time, entertain toddlers for play time, and encourage young learners of all ages to engage and explore. Search for the hidden characters, count the creatures, sound out letters, or master the road rules: the only limit is their imagination. Reversible: engaging art on both sides; Water-resistant, wipes clean; Soft & cushiony ; Non-toxic. "The play mat lasts through multiple developmental stages of a child - from baby to kindergarten," Lea Janowicz, marketing director for Prince Lionheart, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.
Loopdedoo is a new spinning tool that makes fabulous twisted bracelets in just a few minutes. It's fast, easy and fun. Just wrap the threads around the Loopdedoo device, turn the knob, guide the thread and minutes later the bracelet is done. Kids can even make necklaces, anklets, belts and more. There's no pattern to follow so each accessory is completely different and unique. Kids can use as many threads and color combinations as they like, and can make them thick, thin or anywhere in between. Launch date: November 2011. — In a January 2012 survey, Barbara Finblum, owner of Barston's Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that Loopdedoo is their best selling arts and crafts toy. "They came in in December and we sold 194 out of 5 stores - 163 out of 3 stores alone. We sold out and couldn't get them back," she said. — As of 10/5/2012 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy to use; promotes creativity; fun. Cons: One user couldn't figure out how to start. — In a Fall 2012 survey, Dean Smith, owner of Jazams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that they sell 15 of this item each month, making it one of their top-2 sellers in the Hobby category.
Large Scale Thomas' Christmas Delivery Electric Train Set by BACHMANN TRAINS
Wearing a familiar cap and armed with his trusty snowplow, Thomas hauls two festively decorated cars to deliver BIG winter fun to one and all. Our new Large Scale Thomas’ Christmas Delivery ready-to-run electric train set includes Thomas the Tank Engine™ (with hat, snowplow and moving eyes), cargo car, coach, track, speed controller, power pack, and DVD video instructions. "This is the only Large Scale Thomas & Friends ready-to-run electric train set with a holiday theme," Debra Schiff, mommunications manager for Bachmann Trains, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.
Space Age Crystals: 13 Crystals Deluxe Kit w/LED Base by KRISTAL EDUCATIONAL INC.
Sparkling crystals grow right before kids' eyes. Grow a collection of 13 sparkling crystal specimens in four colors: Emerald, Aquamarine, Citrine & Ruby. 5 Crystal Clusters; 4 Goedes; 4 Single Crystals. Plus, kids will learn how to connect their own battery circuit. Contents: crystal growing chemicals, geode mold, casting plaster, crystal growing containers, lids, stirring rods, 48 page Space Age Crystals booklet, instructions, and a multicolor LED base. Pack size: 17" x 11 ½" x 2 ¼". Launch date: September 2011.
Elf Fun with Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins by ELF FUN WITH POP-IN-KINS
Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins “pops in” with the first lighting of the family Christmas tree and stays until the last decoration is put away. She loves to play hide-and-seek and is always available to share a smile and to lend an ear. In “Christina Marie and the Little Tree” Christina Marie sets out to be the very best elf at the North Pole. But only after she discovers a little tree and saves it from a certain fate, does she learn what it truly means to be “the very best”. Each Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins Fun Set includes a posable Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins Elf, “Christina Marie and the Little Tree” illustrated storybook, and Christina Marie’s own storage case. Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins was named “2010 Book of the Year” by Creative Child Magazine. Awards: 2011 The Toy Man Award of Excellence; 2011 The Toy Man E-Choice Award; 2011 The Toy Man Seal of Approval; 2010 Book of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine; 2010 Dr. Toy Best Picks of Children Products Award; 2010 USA Book News Best Books Award Finalist
Crossboccia is the reinvention of Bocce Ball by introducing play in 3 dimensions. Crossboccia balls will rest on uneven surfaces. A vertical vector becomes part of the game, so stairs, tables and chairs can be played upon. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, the next arena can be anywhere. Launch date: February 2012.
The three dimensional skill based toy is orbiting to the next level with the Astrojax MX. This version presents the futuristic, aerodynamic SPORT, and the eye catching POP as the first ever Modular Astrojax. What’s this mean? Not only are these two styles vibrant with color, but with a simple pull and click kids can easily change out their mantles, cores, string buds, and strings. Launch date: January 2012.
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
